Emmy Harper is no stranger to Hollywood, having penned some of the most popular movies of the past few years. But her latest project has hit a standstill—unable to find the perfect leading lady, Emmy’s been recruited to take on the role herself, dusting off acting skills she hasn’t used in over a decade.
Things take a turn for the worse when a she’s left with the one costar she can’t trust: Grayson West. A blockbuster action hero known for his megawatt smile and impossible abs, Grayson is anyone’s dream of a romantic lead. Too bad Emmy still blames him for her disastrous first movie and the early end to her acting career.
The friction between the two risks tanking the movie, and no one knows if it’s lingering awkwardness from their youth or unresolved sexual tension. But if they want to save the production—and their own careers—they need to get their acts together quickly, both on and off camera.
Release Date: Feb 27, 2024
Heat Level: Scorching
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Price: $12.99
Unexpected in all the best ways.
This is my first Ballard book, and I hope it won’t be my last. For starters, the backdrop is a movie set featuring a comeback of sorts for our FMC (female main character) Emmy Harper. Daughter of two Hollywood icons and no stranger to being in front of or behind the camera, she’s penned a new script. One that will put her back into making rom-coms, which she hasn’t done in quite a while.
Everything is coming up perfect for Emmy. Her best friend is the director. They have the perfect cast selected. Even the ideal location. Except, no leading lady. She’s got no choice but to take the role, a role she’s crafted with herself in mind. Then another disaster strikes when her male lead is injured. The replacement is none other than the very man who sent her hiding behind the camera more than a decade prior, Grayson West.
Can I say sparks? Umpteen times. Emmy and Grayson are enemies, and from the start, nothing goes right. But we all know hate is just one step away from love if the pendulum swings hard enough. I will say this book was rougher for me since it was only told from Emmy’s point of view. I hated not knowing what was happening in Grayson’s head. This also stayed at four stars because of Emmy herself. She’s probably the most stubborn person ever, and there are a couple of situations in this book that would have played out a bit differently if she decided not to jump the gun.
But if you like slow burns that turn into scorching romps, this one is definitely for you. There’s this sizzle of buildup between these two that was a joy to read. I also really enjoyed how both Emmy and Grayson have all these stereotypes surrounding them based on their history or the type of actors they are, and it’s enlightening as those things fall away over the course of the book. The reality is people are always more than just the one thing they may be famous for.
If you’re looking for a Hollywood rom-com, this one definitely fits the bill, though it is more rommy than commy. It is for readers who enjoy Emily Henry.
~ Landra
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